1010 signs sponsorship deal for RHKYC match racing series

by RHKYC on 27 Sep 2012 1O1O, Hong Kong’s premium mobile communications brand, has been named the title sponsor of the Match Racing Series at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club (RHKYC) for the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 seasons. This two-year agreement combines this award-winning network and mobile industry benchmark with one of Asia’s premier yacht clubs and a fast growing global sailing discipline.

Unlike more traditional ‘fleet racing’ sailing events, match racing involves two boats in a highly tactical head-to-head competition, with this year’s 1O1O Match Racing series staged in full view of the public in Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour. The 1O1O Match Racing Series will also include the National Match Racing Championship and an International Match Racing Regatta, organised annually in May by RHKYC. Recently, the 2012 International Match Racing Regatta featured eight teams, with Sweden, led by skipper Peter Backe, emerging victorious after two days of fiercely competitive match racing.

1O1O will engage the competitors and its customers with regular updates and features from the 1O1O Match Racing Series and will undoubtedly Make 'YES!' Happen on land and sea with the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club.

'Match Racing continues to grow in interest and participation at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and 1O1O is an exciting new partner for this Series' says RHKYC General Manager, Mark Bovaird. '1O1O has a strong commitment to service excellence and innovation; two traits that align perfectly with the Club and which will no doubt contribute to the further growth and success of sailing, and in particular its exciting Match Racing format, in Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour.'

'1O1O is thrilled to be title sponsor of the 1O1O Match Racing Series,' said Mark Liversidge, Chief Marketing Officer and spokesperson for 1O1O. 'Joining our existing challenges – 1O1O Million Challenge and 1O1O Golf Challenge - the Match Racing series sees one skipper challenge another to a head to head to battle, until one emerges triumphant. The challenge of taking on opponents to make your way up the ladder until you’re number one, reflects our philosophy to empower people to strive to achieve their dreams and be the best they can be. We are glad to be able to share this spirit and excitement with our customers over the course of the series.'

Match racing is possibly the most spectator-friendly of the various sailing disciplines, with only two boats on the race course, no handicaps, and results that can be clearly understood by non-sailors. For sailors, it provides some of the most nail-biting racing possible, with races won or lost on a shift or a gybe. The format is presently enjoying a resurgence in popularity in Asia, with quality events being organised in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand, and increasingly attracting overseas competitors.